Farmer fined for water pollution

The Environment Agency has fined a farmer for causing a polluting matter to enter a nearby river from his premises.

James E Parsons, a 40-year-old from Camp Barn farm, North Kilworth Road, Kimcote, pleaded guilty to the offence of causing cattle slurry to enter the River Swift at Market Harborough Magistrates Court.

Mr Parson's was ordered to pay costs of £1,428.20 and also fined £2,000 for the offence, committed under the Water Resources Act.

Jon Rollinson, an Environment Agency officer, said: "Cattle slurry can have a significant impact on water quality if allowed to enter watercourses."

He added this case underlines the importance of being aware of the pollution potential of animal waste and the need to manage farming operations to minimise this risk.

Earlier this week, the Environment Agency called on residents of Malvern in the Midlands to take care when disposing of paint and paint thinners.